Video and tips from Linda Zang clinic

I had another great lesson with Linda Zang at Dominion Dressage and thought I would include a video of the trot work. I am not sure if you can hear the audio, so here is a breakdown of what she talked about:

1. Never be afraid to continue in rising trot. Remember that you can do all of your upper level movements in rising trot when you train, even if you practice/show them in sitting trot. The rising trot encourages them to get an even looser back and more swing in their body.

2. Shoulder-in, Renvers, Travers... all great exercises to encourage the horse to reach into the bridle and use themselves. Linda encouraged me to ride them together like a series of movements in yoga or workout class: Shoulder-in to renvers, around the short side, 10-meter circle to shoulder-in to 10-meter circle to a few steps of lengthening, etc.... Think of how the one movement helps the horse, but also consider how doing them together can benefit the horse even more.

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3. Always check that you are riding your horse's outside shoulder. Sometimes, we get used to thinking that we need more bend/flexion than we do. Connect your outside aids, ride the horse a bit straighter than you think you need and check with a trained eye on the ground that you are having enough bend/flexion, but not too much.